Winter Care for Houseplants

For plant lovers and garden enthusiasts, winter can feel like a quiet, dormant season. But just because your outdoor garden is at rest doesn’t mean your indoor plants have to suffer! With a little extra care and attention, your houseplants can thrive even during the chilliest months of the year. Here’s how to keep your leafy friends happy and healthy until spring arrives.

Give Watering a Seasonal Makeover

During winter, houseplants enter a slower growth phase and need less water than they do in the lush summer months. Overwatering can be a plant’s downfall this season, leading to soggy roots and even rot. Instead, check the soil before reaching for your watering can. If the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time for a drink. For drought-tolerant plants like succulents and cacti, wait until the soil is completely dry. And don’t forget — always empty excess water from saucers to avoid waterlogging.

Bring on the Humidity

Winter’s dry air can be rough on tropical plants that crave humidity, such as ferns, philodendrons, and calatheas. Central heating might keep your home cosy, but it also strips moisture from the air. Combat this by misting your plants regularly with room-temperature water or setting up a humidity tray. Simply place a shallow dish filled with water and pebbles beneath your pots — just ensure the pots aren’t sitting directly in the water. You can also cluster plants together to create a humid microclimate or invest in a small humidifier for your green friends.

Follow the Light

The dim, short days of winter can be a challenge for light-loving plants. To help them soak up as much sunlight as possible, move your pots closer to windows, preferably south- or east-facing ones. Clean your windows to let in more light and rotate your plants every week to ensure even growth. For spaces with limited natural light, grow lights are a fantastic option, bringing the sunshine indoors when nature can’t.

Keep It Warm (But Not Too Warm)

Most houseplants are happiest in temperatures between 18–24°C, so it’s important to keep them away from cold drafts, frosty windows, and hot air blasts from radiators or vents. Temperature fluctuations can stress your plants, causing drooping leaves or stunted growth. To maintain a steady climate, position your plants in stable spots and consider draft-proofing your home for extra protection.

Watch for Unwanted Guests

Winter can sometimes bring an unwelcome surprise: pests! Dry air and stressed plants create the perfect breeding ground for nuisances like spider mites and mealybugs. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble, such as tiny webs, sticky residue, or discoloured leaves. If pests appear, treat your plants with insecticidal soap or a gentle spray of neem oil to nip infestations in the bud.

Pause the Fertilizer, Prune with Purpose

Winter is not the time to push growth, so give your fertilizers a rest. Focus instead on keeping your plants tidy by pruning dead or yellowing leaves. This not only keeps your plants looking their best but also allows them to focus their energy on staying healthy. Once spring rolls around, you can resume feeding and encourage new growth.

Winter doesn’t have to be a season of struggle for your houseplants. By tailoring your care routine to the season, you can enjoy lush, happy greenery all year round. For plant enthusiasts, there’s no better way to beat the winter blues than by nurturing your indoor jungle. So grab your watering can, adjust that grow light, and let your plants know you’ve got their back—even when the snow is falling outside!